Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Cup Joy for Spurs and United

FA Cup quarter-final wins for a vibrant Spurs and a lifeless, if efficient, Manchester United bring more clarity to the Gameweek 35 picture.

The first full match without Harry Kane proved to be a perfectly pleasant one for Spurs as they saw off Swansea City 3-0 with little fuss and plenty of swagger.

Christian Eriksen ran the show, scoring twice from outside the area – four of his last six goals in all competitions have been from long range, including all of his last three.

The Dane had managed just one goal across his previous seven starts in all competitions, but his display at the Liberty Stadium reminded us all of his quality ahead of two double Gameweeks still to come.

Coach Mauricio Pochetino reacted to the Kane-shaped hole in his side by utilising Son Heung-min as the lone striker, with Lucas Moura taking on the South Korean’s duties on the left and Erik Lamela afforded a freer, more central role as Dele Alli dropped to the bench.

The changes worked well, the Argentine scoring one goal and setting up another and Moura also providing an assist. Moussa Sissoko was the other player to register an assist on the day.

Son’s blank was more of a concern as his attacking threat was relatively muted – he managed only two attempts on goal – but he was unlucky to have a goal disallowed for a decidedly marginal offside call that was confirmed (just about) by VAR.

The burgeoning form of Lamela could be a concern for the 14.3% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who own Son, although Pochettino might well stick with the mobility of the South Korean over the more classic target man attributes that Fernando Llorente brings to the lone striker role.

The recovery time of Kane remains the key issue.

If he can return for Gameweek 34 – a likely double for Spurs that is looked at in greater detail below – then Son might not play both fixtures.

But until we receive an update on the issue, Son should continue to be a key asset, although Eriksen could well end up being the stronger double Gameweek candidate with his greater security of start.

As for Swansea, Premier League survival remains their ultimate goal, and a likely Double Gameweek 34 involving vital home matches with Everton and Southampton is now on the cards.

That will promote the stock of their budget assets for those playing their Wildcards in Gameweeks 32 or 33.

Jordan Ayew (5.4) will have served his suspension by the time the double comes around, and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (4.7) and centre-half Alfie Mawson (5.1) could also be targets.

United win ugly

Goals from Romelu Lukaku and the excellent Nemanja Matic were enough to see off a spirited Brighton 2-0, but the win did little to allay the doubts over Jose Mourinho’s misfiring men.

Matic set up the Belgian’s first-half opener before sealing the deal from an Ashley Young cross after the break.

But in between, Brighton were the better side and they out-shot their hosts 17-8, with six attempts on target to United’s two.

The Red Devils were frequently as sluggish as in their 2-1 loss to Sevilla despite Mourinho making some big calls in his starting XI, with both Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba left on the bench.

Marouane Fellaini was another to be dropped as five changes were made to the Champions League side.

Sergio Romero, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw came in and Marcus Rashford and Young made way, with the latter replacing Shaw at half-time, presumably to combat the threat of the lively Solly March on Brighton’s right-hand side.

Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling were again the preferred centre-back pairing and they duly combined for only United’s second clean sheet in six matches in all competitions, although they rode their luck against a visiting attack spearheaded by Jurgen Locadia, who was making just his second Seagulls start.

That was one of five changes Chris Hughton made to the side beaten at Everton last weekend.

Anthony Knockaert was suspended and Gaetan Bong injured, while goalkeeper Mat Ryan, winger Jose Izquierdo and striker Glenn Murray also made way, with Tim Krul, Markus Suttner, Leonardo Ulloa, March and Locadia brought in.

United now have two double Gameweeks to come before the end of the season, but the form and confidence of much of their side remains a major concern.

Lukaku is the exception.

Currently the second most purchased player of Gameweek 32, he has three goals and two assists from his last five Gameweek starts, with strikes in both the FA Cup and Champions League to further boost his appeal.

How it’s all panning out

As a result of yesterday’s FA Cup ties, Gameweek 35’s fixtures involving Brighton v Spurs and Bournemouth v Man United will now be postponed and rescheduled.

But Swansea’s defeat means their trip to Man City is now confirmed in the Gameweek 35 schedule, which currently comprises:

Everton v Newcastle
Stoke City v Burnley
Watford v Crystal Palace
West Brom v Liverpool
Man City v Swansea City
Arsenal v West Ham

Chelsea v Huddersfield (TBC)
Leicester City vs Southampton (TBC)

Only one more fixture – one of those marked TBC – can now be added to that list, however, and it could be that both of those matches are also postponed.

If Chelsea lose today, then their home match with Huddersfield Town will take place in Gameweek 35.

Alternatively, Chelsea will have to beat Leicester City and Southampton lose to Wigan for the Saints’ trip to the King Power Stadium to remain a Gameweek 35 fixture.

Spurs now have probable double Gameweeks in 34 (MCI NEW) and 37 (wba bha), while Man United have a likely double Gameweek 34 involving West Brom at home and West Ham away, with Gameweek 37 probably involving trips to Brighton and Bournemouth.

Chelsea’s Gameweek 34 is likely to involve matches away at Southampton and Burnley and, should they beat the Foxes, a Gameweek 37 of Liverpool and Huddersfield at home would be the likely outcome.

Brighton should have trips to Crystal Palace and Man City in Gameweek 34 and home matches with Man United and Spurs in 37.

Southampton have a probable Gameweek 34 of Chelsea at home and Swansea City away, while victory over Wigan today would likely lead to a double Gameweek 37 of Everton and Leicester, both away.

Leicester’s Gameweek 34 should be Burnley away and Arsenal at home and, if they beat Chelsea or if Southampton get past Wigan, they’d entertain West Ham and Southampton in Gameweek 37.

The upshot of all that is the likes of Kane (if fit), Lukaku, Son and David De Gea will all be popular Wildcard targets for those looking to use the Bench Boost chip in Gameweek 34.

Further assets from the likes of Chelsea or Leicester will be added to that list after today’s results.

However, those who no longer have the Free Hit chip will have to be wary of going overboard on assets from teams that will miss Gameweek 35.

They will need to build for a Gameweek 34 Bench Boost with this in mind.

1,798 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Morgan due

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Marcos*

  2. Toby Lerone
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Everyone's back 5 for wilcards?

    Mine currently:

    Christensen
    tarkowski
    robertson(already own and have value)
    Lascelles
    Mawson

    Allows for midfield of
    Son willian miki salah mahrez

    1. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I'm getting cover from Chelsea United Spurs and Arsenal in my defense for the dgws plus cheapos from the other dgw sides

      1. Toby Lerone
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Seems expensive though getting cover from all of those. Maybe a double up on utd defence

        1. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 12 days ago

          I like a big money defence
          I was 11k 6 weeks ago then changed from that. Now 150k

    2. keeney
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Newcastle defender could possibly get minus points in DGW34

      1. Toby Lerone
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Good point

  3. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Latest draft, needed some Hazard, thoughts on this?

    DDG / Ryan
    Christensen - Davies - Lowton - Morgan - Naughton
    Salah - Hazard - Willian - Son - Silva
    Auba - Vardy - Barnes

    0.3 itb

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Hazard needs to score in this game to get more support. Mahrez has that spot for most.

      1. Dacra
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Figured Vardy instead of Mahrez, we'll see!

    2. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Hazard is too hit and miss. Plus willian is 3m cheaper

  4. pedro-tacuara
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Could Iheanacho become a good option if he keeps his place? Thinking of getting him for my fantasy draft team

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Itchy nachos isn’t nailed on

  5. QueefParkRangers
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Never seen so much uncertainty on here.

    People wild carding with no clue.

    Saving till when we know when the DGW's are.

    1. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Thanks for the insult and good for you 🙂

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      “There is no need to be upset”

    3. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      34 and 37.
      Uefa won't allow anything to clash with champions league games so we know that already

      1. Veezeeboy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39458057
        They can Allow.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 12 days ago

          No need for that for the rest of the season.

    4. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      We know when they are, just waiting for confirmation.

      You'll find out tomorrow 🙂

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Lucky they can change their team.

    6. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Please don't let your own ignorance get in the way of a making a point.
      I'm wildcarding, so enlighten me to as why that's a bad idea?

    7. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Has a DGW due to FA cup quarters ever been anywhere other than GW34?

      1. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Yes - they've mixed it up quite a bit in the past. but GW34 is the usual place for them.

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        The question also to be asked is why haven’t they been moved there already ?

    8. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I'm sick of seeing players like Daniels, wilson, Elliot, dunk, pickford, eriksen stinking out my team. Time for a welcome change!

    9. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      It's ok..take it easy. We are not going to hurt you

      We just want to help you.

  6. keeney
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    0.6 in the bank anywhere I can use it on wildcard (BB, TC & FH still available)

    DeGae
    Christensen Smalling Ward
    Salah Son Mahrez Willian
    Lukaku Aubameyang Murray

    Fabianski Cedric Morgan Kenedy

  7. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Is there a nailed Man Utd defender centre back pairing?

    Just wondering if doubling up in defence or splitting one in attack one in defence is the better route.

    1. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      It should be Bailly and Jones when all are fit, currently Bailly and Smalling.

  8. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    please help with this cant decide..

    a. Fabianski, Mee, Firmino
    b. Henesy, Smaling, Vardy

    xxx, Ddg
    xxx, Van der hon, Chilvel, Alonso, Lowton
    Salah, Sterling, Mahrez, Son, Wilian
    xxx, Auba, Barnes

  9. Hiphopopotamus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Afternoon lads. Where can I find a summary on which teams we should be loading up on (because of DGWs, etc.) if we're on a WC this week?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      wait until tomorrow all will become clear

      1. Hiphopopotamus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Cheers Norman.

    2. Totally !rre!evant
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Anyone that didn't play yesterday will have a double

      1. Hiphopopotamus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Good stuff, thanks RTR

      1. Hiphopopotamus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Cheers Rik, appreciated.

  10. davies
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Anyone else struggling to find a decent WC defence?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      i have been struggling for about 10 weeks never mind now

    2. George James
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Yeah mid and forwards lots of options but defence is tough.

      Swansea, Burnley, Arsenal, chelsea, United best options in my opinion when working in a budget

  11. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Does anyone know the last time Bakayoko got the ball and DIDN'T give it straight away?
    Was it when he was at Monaco?

  12. Alex_thekid
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Is this team acceptable for gw32 and save wc for 33
    Pope
    Vvd Shindler Tarkowski
    Salah Sterling Shaqiri Stanislas
    Firmino Aubameyang Wilson
    Pickford Alonso Walcott Kenny

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      How many would start in your WC team?

      1. Alex_thekid
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        Salah Sterling Firminno Aubameyang Alonso Tarkowski

  13. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    wildcard team with Alonso. Thoughts?

    DDG Fabs
    Alonso Monreal Naughton Lowton Morgan
    Salah Son Mahrez Willian Ki
    Lukaku Auba Wood

    0.2 itb

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      That's very tidy at the back actually. I'd be tempted to go Barnes over Wood and save cash. The big criticism is no city - depends how you feel about that.

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Like it

  14. Optic1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    How's this WC looking chaps?

    Fabianski DDG
    Monreal Mee Christenson Robertson Chilwell
    Son Mhki Salah Sane Mahrez
    Firmino Aubam Barnes

  15. Norman Conquest
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    bit of a shirt colour clash going on in this game i am sure chelsea must have a brighter kit than that

  16. markus808
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Wildcard activated. What do you think about going with triple United defence? Can't justify Lukakus price, and no scoring midfielder is guaranteed a 90 minutes every game.

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      could work out what you going to do in gw35

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        FH?

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      not sure on triple but the defence looks to have more potential than attack

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Not a bad idea if you can be sure of 3 starters

    4. markus808
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      I still have free hit left for gw 35. I think you can not ignore United's double doubles, but I just don't want anyone else in my team beside the defenders/goalkeeper

    5. justlikehoney
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Think tripling up is going a little far, especially with Man City away to come in GW33.

  17. Aladdin Sané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Anyone think Holding/Chambers will get more game time with Arsenal focussing on the EL?

  18. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Morata is woeful, he seems half asleep

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      nice hair though

  19. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Hi Managers,

    De Gea
    VVD Alonso Ogbona
    Stan Shaq Salah Mahrez
    Firmino Mounie Wilson

    Subs: Elliot, Baines, Obiang, Mbemba

    A) Mounie to Auba
    B) Wilson to Kaku
    C) Both -4
    D) Play WC now instead of GW 33

    1. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      a

  20. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    What's Monreal's condition? Hadn't monitor him recently.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Played vs AC Milan.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      He's in my WC draft - really hope he stays fit and nailed. But it is a minor risk.

  21. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Morata wears more hair gel than Ross Geller

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      No chance Schmeichel holds it if Morata gets his head on the ball

  22. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    ramsey or willian?

    1. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Willian.

  23. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Presumably any chance of an Alonso drop has passed?

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Yep , that 5th mid appeal kicking in again

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Looks it 🙂

  24. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Maguire's 8th YC.

    Two yellows in his next two Prem games would mean a 2 game ban, missing the double.

    1. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Would throw a spanner amongst the pigeons

    2. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      The same with Otamendi.

  25. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Would you rather have

    A) Alonso + Murray/Barnes
    B) Vardy + Christensen

    (already got Mahrez)

    1. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      b

  26. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Good cross from Marcos just then.

  27. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Alonso great defence vs. Mahrez, never thought I'd write that.

  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Another arrogant performance by Hazard, he is just a showboater. He's obsessed with flicks and tricks rather than playing the simple pass.

    It's all good when you are leading 4 or 5 nil or if you do it once or twice but he just keeps doing it over and over.

    He needs to buck up his ideas and actually start influencing games by scoring or assisting goals more often instead of trying to show off

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Ok

    2. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Shame that he actually never lived up to all the hype. He is 27 now and didn't have any significant season, didn't even score 20 goals all season. Good player but that's it.

    3. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      he suffers from Napoleonic complex

  29. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Is the consensus on city coverage in WC to pick a decent mid and stick with it?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Many will avoid and take cover behind a couch.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        What's your position? I've keep Sterling so far (value), but could be persuaded to Silva. I can't be done with none at all - they look supreme.

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 12 days ago

          Its one of the trickiest parts of the WC. Dilva is in my team currently but might still go without.

    2. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Lots of great DGW options in midfield

    3. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      Or avoid due to rotation?

  30. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 12 days ago

    Mcflurry to Boomerang for free?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 days ago

      mcflurries are tasty but boomerangs come back so yea

      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 12 days ago

        lol thanks